“So many progressive church spaces are made up of people showing up, saying they want transformation, but again and again choosing comfort instead . . . the church is filled with people who want the beautiful outcome promised in the Gospel without any of the real sacrifice of change.”

—Andrew Lang

The Church Can Still Change

Rev. Dr. DeWayne L. Davis

A colleague sent around an article recently with the provocative title, “Why Church Won’t Change.” It sounded like clickbait, so I hesitated to read it at first, but my curiosity got the better of me. Upon reading it, I wish it was something I could easily dismiss or whose argument I could pick apart. I also wanted to believe that the writer was overstating the challenges or was unaware of the exceptions to his belief that the church will not change. And yet, there is something prophetic about how he truthfully contends with the desire within many churches, especially progressive churches, for social justice transformation without changing anything about our habits, practices, and traditions. There does appear to be a gap between what we desire for our communities and places of faith and the level of effort and sacrifice we are willing to expend to make it so.

But I still believe the church can and will change. I think there are enough of us willing to imagine, experiment, and release in ways that break through apathy, caution, and resistance to experience fundamental transformation. Andrew Lang admits that “we are thirsty for intentionality, a dedication to real justice, an end to platitudes, and deep commitment to exploring the inner life.” This is fertile ground for change. Our intentionality and dedication can transform practices and move resources in ways that inspire change and invite people to take the church seriously again.

I know the church has found its comfort and success in religious tradition, institutional practices, and cultural realities that bind us to the status quo. At a time when our democracy is facing a moral crisis because of the politics of grievance and resentment, white supremacy, and abandonment of norms of political participation and representation, the church may be the last repository of a robust conversation about the work of justice and the power of sacred space to embolden the pursuit of justice. Lang concluded that the work of justice would “form around the dinner table and in organizing circles,” not in the church. But there is no reason the church can’t face its resistance and reluctance as part of doing justice work and making fundamental change. Perhaps that becomes the church’s priority over outsized considerations about growth and attendance: making the church the space for the intentional pursuit of the work of justice, not just talking about justice. It’s about challenging ourselves not to let buildings, committees, and traditions limit our imagination or intention. If we did that, the church could still change.

DeWayne L. Davis

Seth Patterson preaches, "Speak Life?"

August 21, 2022

"Under the Big Top"

Outdoor Worship at 9 a.m.

Masking is not required outdoors.

11 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary

Masking in the church building is strongly recommended.

There is a "Mask Only" Section available in the Sanctuary and marked for those wishing for extra security.

Schedule

9 a.m. Worship

"Under the Big Top"

Outdoor Worship

9 a.m. worship will not be offered virtually

Masking is not required outdoors.

Features music from the Jazz Trio

Musical Response

BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER

Paul Simon

Sundays at 10

Coffee and Social Time

in Jones Commons 

Meaning, A Podcast Discussion

Chapel

11 a.m. Worship

In the sanctuary

and online

Masking in the church building is strongly recommended.

There is a "Mask Only" Section available in the Sanctuary and marked for those wishing for extra security.

Features music from the Solo Quartet, Philip Brunelle, and Violet Pitcher, guest violinist.

Anthems

DEATH, BE NOT PROUD

Benjamin Britten

ALL PEOPLE THAT ON EARTH DO DWELL Calvin Hampton

GRANT US PEACE Mark Zuckerman

Worship in the Sanctuary this Sunday; the congregation is welcome in person or to watch via Livestream on Facebook, YouTube, or Plymouth.org/worship.

CHANCEL FLOWERS are given in celebration of Emily Chandmuni Bains Seltz  

going to the Boundary Waters on her 22nd trip with Wilderness Inquiry. 

Contemplative Prayer is offered:

Thursdays at 9 a.m. - online

Anne Gustafson was presented with her National Certification of Church Administration (CCA). This professional certification represents proficiency in 14 domains of knowledge in various areas of finance, administration, and leadership. The achievement recognizes her completion of extensive coursework as well as the completion of a final thesis. Her thesis, ‘A Theology for the Church Administrator’ is being recognized as creative and unconventional, and for its contribution to the field.

Dr. Marilyn Johns, Anne's advisor shared, "Anne's clear and personal writing style, her use of practical situations, and her obvious passion for her work and congregation combine to become a project that can help other administrators to see the ministry in church administration."

Would You Help Our Children & Youth Programs?

We need volunteers! Please take a moment to complete this survey and see how you can help support our children and youth programming throughout the summer and fall. Our events and programs cannot continue to grow, expand, and welcome in new families without widespread support!

Two types of volunteers are needed to help advance Plymouth’s marketing efforts:

Committee Members

As the committee is formalized, we’ll need help from members experienced in marketing, design, advertising, and data sciences to help bring campaigns to fruition and educate leadership and the congregation about how our goals and how our campaigns are functioning.

Ambassadors

We need 5 more people willing to participate in a new training curriculum and serve as a physical manifestation of our campaign—noticing, welcoming, coaching, and nurturing connections with church prospects. We'll provide training.

Please contact Elizabeth Blanchette if you’re interested in either opportunity.

On June 5, Plymouth welcomed nine new members into our congregation.

Cameron Roed

roedcan364@gmail.com

My name is Cameron Roed. My parents are members of the church, Jennifer Theis and Matthew Roed. We have a dog named Ceylon. I am finishing 9th grade at Armstrong High School. I am a Boy Scout in Troop 534 and enjoy playing baseball. 

New Books at Elaine Marsh Library!

The Shelf Elf wants to tell you that we have LOTS of books new to the library this summer. Of course, there are some favorites to tell you about over the next couple of weeks, all of them elementary and (one) middle school. Here is the first one. Next week I’ll tell you about four more.

The Cat Without a Friend by Coralyn Dahlstrom. Coralyn, now in her 90s, is a member of Plymouth. The illustrations in The Cat Without a Friend accurately depict life at the time they were drawn. It was only recently that she added the storyline and worked to have it published. She muses that the illustrations are dated enough that young readers may not know what the pictures are—separate answering machine and TV with antenna! But the vast majority of the illustrations are timeless images of the cat who learned that the best way to find a friend is to be a friend.

You can find this book highlighted on top of the Plymouth Author bookshelf.

SmartArt Exhibit

Plymouth Alto Soloist Lisa Drew is one of 14 featured artists at the Minneapolis Convention Center now through December 2022 as part of the SmartArt bi-annual program featuring 10 of her large-scale photographs of Minneapolis.

A Vision for Home: A Conversation on Housing with Minnesota Gubernatorial Candidates

September 13 @ 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Minnesota is in a housing crisis that needs immediate and impactful action. The state of Minnesota and the Governor have a crucial leadership role in setting a bold vision forward.

Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative is one of the sponsors of the event, and we look forward to talking with candidates for Governor about their vision for home. We will discuss multiple issues around housing like homelessness, housing instability and home ownership.

Donations for Third Wednesday Drop-in Bingo

Plymouth Drop-in for low-income adults who live with mental illness happens every Wednesday and Thursday, but third Wednesday is always bingo. Donations of practical prizes like toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and soap are much appreciated and can be left in the Bingo Box in Jones Commons. Adult coloring and puzzle books are also great, as is almost anything "gently used" as they say at the thrift stores.

Ongoing Tuesday Vigils for Justice

Racial Justice Initiative justice vigils are now being held from noon to 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Please join us when you are able. We always meet by Door 1 near Jones Commons.

Plymouth Church Building COVID-19 Updates

Wearing a mask is strongly recommended for everyone.

The health, safety, and well-being of all who use Plymouth Congregational Church is our top priority.

Thank You For Your Support

The clergy and staff at Plymouth are continuing to work to care for and support you—our congregation—and, as mentioned above, our essential building tenants. Our need for your support continues. Please consider making a gift online (click here), texting your gift to 612/999-2874 or sending in a check (1900 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis 55403). Mail is being collected securely and safely each day. We are so grateful for you!